According to the documentation of Villena city, Leon Shoe is original established at No. 37 of Blasco street in Villena. Mr. Gines Guillen La Osa is the first and famous shoemaker who married his wife, Mariana Ros Amoros, and lived there for nearly 40 years. Also, his children were all born there. His surname is also certified as the oldest one in Villena city or in the Spain.
Mr. Gines Guillen La Osa’s son, Mr. Jose Guillen Ros Nacido (1812-1888) was born and lived in Villena for his whole life that had great contributions to Villena, and was recorded in 1887. Mr. Jose Guillen Ros’s son, Mr. Florencio Guillen Martinez "Toquis Nonis" (1849-1915) was also born in Villena and lived there for his whole life. He was the first person who paid for the license tax of shoes production. Son of Mr. Florencio Guillen Martinez "Toquis Nonis”, Mr. Florencio Guillen Navarro (1883-1948) was also born and pass away in Villena. After the first strike of shoes worker in 1919, he and other footwear manufacturers organized the first footwear manufacturing association of Villena. In the meantime, Mr. Manuel Caturla Garcia was the President of this association who had influenced footwear industry a lot. The 5th generation of “Guillen” family is Julio Guillen Domene’s father, Mr. Jose Guillen Hernandez.
Shoes industry is an important development for Spain history. Truth is Guillen family has contributed in this industry a lot that is confirmed by the historian of Villenense, Mr. Cesar Lopez Hurtado, and recorded in archives of Villenero and in the Spain history. Those details of “Guillen” family will be announced by Elda footwear manufacturers association of museum at 11:00 a.m. on 23 May, 2008. “Guillen” family will also provide two portraits of ancestors, Mr. Florence Guillen Martinez "Toquis Nonis" and Mr. Florence Guillen Navarro. Professor Antonio Martinez Puche and Gabino Ponce will be the witnesses to announced Guillen history. Julio Guillen’s daughter Maria Guillen and Nuria Guillen is the seventh generation of “Guillen” family who will delivery the portraits of the museum. It represents a very far-reaching significance!
“Guillen Family has adhered quality of shoes and accumulated the technology for more than 2 centuries. Specially, Mr. Julio Guillen Domene has operated Leon Shoes to produce high-quality shoes more than 30 years to expand shoes business successfully. Nowadays, royal family of Spain and high society would bless their children by giving the first pair of shoes, Leon shoes. Then, they keep it as souvenir because it represents parents’ love for children. Therefore, Leon Shoe Company has become the shoes supplier of Princess La Infanta de Leonor who will come to the throne in Spain and her sister Princess La Infanta de Sofia. Mr. Julio Guillen Domene also got the permission to promote his shoes by using these two princesses’ photos who were wearing Leon shoes. In fact, it represents royal family has cherished Spain shoes industry same as “Leon Shoes”.
Since 300s history of Guillen family has influenced shoes industry a lot by improving the shoes production technology, heir of Leon Shoes, Mr. Julio Guillen Domene has chance to bring out this brand with own culture. He is trying to expand his brand around the world in future soon. In fact, he has already sold his shoes to the important cities in international market. Now, he found Momoking (HK) Ltd. to become his partner, Momoleon. Actually, they have the same theory “To expand the business to bring out their love to who need it”. Thus, they both decide to give away 10% of profit to the people who need help.
LINK UP(Spanish):
http://www.elperiodicodevillena.com/noticia.asp?idnoticia=69324
http://www.elperiodicodevillena.com/noticia.asp?idnoticia=69327
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